Tasting Notes: Roasted Almond, Dark Chocolate, Brown Sugar
Roast level: Light
Country: Bolivia
Region: Yungas
Farmer: AIPEP Cooperative
Certifications: Organic
This limited release offering comes from the AIPEP Cooperative, located in the Yungas mountains of Bolivia. We found this coffee to be very chocolaty and inviting, while retaining some subtle citrus notes that keep it lively.
AIPEP formally founded in 2002. From its beginnings, members worked hard to develop the internal systems for excellent organic production and quality control. AIPEP obtained organic certification when it was founded but had no export market. It wasn’t until 2006 that AIPEP developed a direct relationship with a buyer, thanks to the support of FECAFEB, Federación de Caficultores Exportadores de Bolivia.
The special preparation for this lot starts with cherries that are hand picked, then floated in water in wooden boxes so that underdeveloped and damaged cherries float to be removed. The cherries that sink are then carefully depulped and fermented for 8-12 hours in order to then be washed with fresh water from local sources. Waste water is processed in filtration ponds to avoid contaminating local water sources. Parchment coffee is dried in raised beds under cover for 6-8 days before it is collected by the organization.